Julia Daviy's Sustainable Innovation Challenge is a groundbreaking journey embarked upon by an innovator, inventor, and sustainability advocate who committed to generating one new sustainability-focused innovation concept every day. Blending her passion for sustainability and experience in clean tech with her extensive background as a marathon runner, Ironman finisher, and design thinking professional, Julia set out to challenge the status quo of repetitive ideas and practices in the innovation landscape. With a deep understanding of the importance of fresh ideas, especially in the dynamic environment of the SF Bay area, she dedicated herself to this unique form of creative endurance training. Through this challenge, Julia not only aims to push the boundaries of sustainable innovation but also to inspire a culture of continuous creativity and commitment to making a tangible impact on the world.
Julia Daviy started the Sustainable Innovation Challenge on May 24, 2023.
The inspiration for starting the Sustainable Innovation Challenge was rooted in a profound realization of the urgent need for change in the way we approach innovation and finance, particularly in the realm of sustainability. Recognizing the critical juncture humanity faces, with the potential for dire consequences if we fail to innovate in more sustainable, inclusive, and impactful ways, I felt compelled to act. This was underscored by a groundbreaking study revealing the paradox of increasing knowledge but decreasing disruptive breakthroughs, emphasizing the need for a fresh approach to innovation. My background in enduring physical challenges, such as marathons and Ironmans, combined with my passion for sustainability and innovation, drove me to create a challenge that not only tests the limits of my creativity but also contributes to solving some of the world’s most pressing problems. This challenge aims to foster a culture of sustainable innovation that embraces interdisciplinary collaboration and values the power of community and inclusivity in driving meaningful change.
I maintain a record of my daily innovation concepts on my Instagram account (@juliadaviy), as well as in my Evernote and Google Drive for consistency. Posting the concepts on my website typically requires a bit more time.
Design thinking has been instrumental in shaping my approach to innovation. A decade ago, I embarked on a journey to navigate the vast terrain of innovation creation, realizing there is an abundance to learn. The prevailing methodologies today, such as design thinking and systems thinking, have significantly influenced my work. Design thinking, in particular, is a powerful framework for generating, ideating, testing, and iterating ideas. Alongside other techniques like mind mapping, this methodology has been a cornerstone of my creative process.
At its core, design thinking emphasizes empathy, enabling one to "listen with your eyes." My propensity for empathy has been enriched by conversations with individuals from various fields, particularly those involved in technology and clean tech. Colleagues at Berkeley Haas and professionals in the clean tech market have been invaluable sources of insight. These interactions often transform what might seem like routine encounters into opportunities for conceptual innovation.
Furthermore, my diverse background—from my early days as a journalist covering big business and energy markets, through co-founding companies and organizations that pioneered some of the first green jobs in Eastern Europe, to embarking on a startup journey at the nexus of sustainability and technology—has deeply influenced my perspective. My ventures into portable solar chargers, 3D-printed clothing, bags, jewelry, and home goods, and later the development of a platform for digital delivery through the first platform 3D printable NFTs, have all been informed by this rich tapestry of experiences.
Systems thinking, on the other hand, focuses on how to effect meaningful change within complex systems, a process that involves more than just engineering solutions. It's about orchestrating change in intricate networks, a subject that warrants its own discussion.
Innovation begins with an initial idea, and I've learned that inspiration is omnipresent. It can spring from articles, conversations, lectures—such as those I've attended at Berkeley Haas—and my vast array of experiences. These elements collectively fuel my continuous journey of learning, observing, and creating, all guided by the principles of design and systems thinking.
Here's the backstory on how this journey started: https://juliadaviy.medium.com/sustainable-innovations-challenge-a-personal-commitment-to-a-greener-future-515c52dcfece
On May 24, I started a 365-Day Sustainable Innovations Challenge, my personal challenge to create and visualize a new sustainable innovation concept every day during a year. This was a seemingly impossible goal I set for myself: to create and visualize a new concept of innovation every single day for a year, to ensure a thriving planet. #ImagineTheFuture
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